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Eikenella corrodens in the human oral cavity
C K Chen1, R G Dunford, H S Reynolds
1Department of Oral Biology, State University of New York, School of Dental Medicine, Buffalo.
Journal of Periodontology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Eikenella corrodens, a potential periodontal pathogen, is prevalent in the human mouth, especially in patients with periodontitis. This oral bacterium is frequently found in dental plaque and associated with gingival inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Eikenella corrodens is a suspected periodontal pathogen.
- Its prevalence and distribution in various oral sites are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and distribution of Eikenella corrodens in periodontally healthy adults and patients with periodontitis.
- To identify the primary oral ecological niche of E. corrodens.
Main Methods:
- Collected 508 oral bacterial samples from 10 periodontally healthy (PH) adults, 11 adult periodontitis (AP) patients, and 6 localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) patients.
- Sampled supra- and subgingival plaque from teeth, as well as buccal mucosa, tongue, tonsil, and saliva.
- Cultured E. corrodens to determine its prevalence in different oral sites and patient groups.
Main Results:
- E. corrodens was found in 70% of healthy subjects and 100% of periodontitis patients.
- Dental plaque was the main niche in healthy subjects, while periodontitis patients showed higher prevalence in plaque and presence in other sites like saliva and mucosa.
- Prevalence in plaque was significantly higher in AP and LJP groups compared to PH, and associated with gingival inflammation in AP patients.
Conclusions:
- Eikenella corrodens is an indigenous oral microorganism.
- Its prevalence increases in periodontitis and it may act as an opportunistic pathogen linked to gingival inflammation.